Abstract
Purpose of Study:
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To describe the degree and type of disability experience by patients with combined postero-lateral corner and posterior cruciate ligament knee injuries
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To document any dynamic abnormalities of the lower limbs through the gait cycle using kinematic and kinetic gait analysis
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To identify abnormal electromyographic signals of the quadriceps, hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles through normal gait.
Methods and Results: After rigorous exclusion criteria were instituted twelve patients were identified as having the required combined knee ligament injuries. These patients underwent functional assessment, clinic examination and gait analysis at the Oxford Gait Laboratory.
Significant functional disability was noted in all patients. Characteristic gait abnormalities identified included hyperextension and dynamic varus deformity with a corresponding increase in the internal valgus knee moment. Electromyographic data revealed early and prolonged contraction of the medial hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles.
Conclusion: These results suggest the presence of compensatory mechanisms of the musculature around the knee and suggest direction in rehabilitation programs in patients with combined injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner of the knee. The results also provide baseline data that will be useful when evaluating the post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing knee ligament reconstruction in the future.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Tim Wilton, BASK at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
